Darren Hazelwood Discusses Panther Metals’ Ontario Projects and Winston Tailings Opportunity at PDAC 2026
Key Takeaways
- •Panther to dual‑list on Canadian Securities Exchange
- •Focus on reviving historic Winston mine
- •Tailings contain gold, silver, gallium, indium
- •Partnering with Extrakt for metal extraction
- •Exploring district‑scale Obonga Greenstone Belt
Summary
Panther Metals Plc is preparing to dual‑list on the Canadian Securities Exchange to fund its Ontario portfolio, highlighted by the historic Winston mine on Lake Superior. CEO Darren Hazelwood emphasized reviving Winston, a former zinc‑focused VMS operation that also produced gold and other metals. The company is testing tailings for recoverable gold, silver, gallium, indium and copper using Extrakt Process Solutions' extraction technology. Additional district‑scale exploration continues in the Obonga Greenstone Belt, aiming for eventual production.
Pulse Analysis
Panther Metals' move to list on the Canadian Securities Exchange reflects a broader trend of junior miners leveraging Canada’s flow‑through tax incentives to fund capital‑intensive projects. By accessing domestic capital markets, Panther can align its financing with the regulatory environment that favors exploration and early‑stage development, reducing reliance on European investors and potentially lowering its cost of capital. This strategic shift also signals confidence in Ontario’s stable mining jurisdiction, which has attracted renewed interest after years of regulatory uncertainty.
The Winston site, a classic volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, offers more than its historic zinc output. Recent tailings analyses revealed up to 0.82 g/t gold and 20 g/t silver, alongside valuable by‑products such as gallium, indium and copper. Partnering with Extrakt Process Solutions, Panther aims to commercialize proprietary solvent‑based extraction methods that could unlock these credits at scale. Successful pilot results would not only extend the mine’s life but also demonstrate a viable pathway for re‑processing legacy tailings across the sector, addressing both resource efficiency and environmental remediation.
Beyond Winston, Panther’s focus on the Obonga Greenstone Belt underscores a long‑term growth narrative. The belt hosts multiple district‑scale targets with potential for base‑metal and precious‑metal discoveries, aligning with global demand for copper and critical minerals. By integrating exploration, resource development, and innovative extraction technologies, Panther positions itself to capture value across the mining value chain. If the company can translate these opportunities into production, it could attract strategic partners and elevate Ontario’s profile as a hub for next‑generation mining projects.
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